Take Amtrak to These Top Five Holiday Events and Traditions!

Winter is here and the celebrations can finally begin! Holiday events, shows, and attractions illuminate the entire City for all to enjoy! New York City is iconic for spreading the holiday spirit and creating long-lasting memories for people everywhere. Here's a list of the top five must see and/or do during the winter in New York City:

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Image Courtesy of Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

(1.2 miles from Penn Station)

The most iconic yearly event in New York City is the traditional Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting. Tens of thousands of revelers fill the streets to embrace the iconic tree illuminate Rockefeller Plaza right in the heart of the City. This event has been acclaimed the world-wide symbol of the holidays in New York City. Available for viewing from now through early January,  a visit to revel in the tree and all of its beauty is truly a must this winter!

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

(1.2 miles from Penn Station)

Image Courtesy of Radio City Christmas Spectacular

This year, give your loved ones a gift that will create new memories to be forever cherished! The legendary Rockettes are back with their unique song-and-dance extravaganza! Showcasing the shows most classic scenes including “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and “New York at Christmas” with all new numbers, this show offers a more dynamic and more magical show than ever before.

Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center

(1.2 miles from Penn Station)

Image Courtesy of The Rink at Rockefeller Center

Add to your winter visit with a fun and memorable experience at the World Famous Ice Skating Rink. Located at the base of the Rockefeller Center Tree, the rink is the perfect way to soak in all of the glorious City views. Millions of visitors center their trips to the City around watching skaters take a spin and twirl on the ice below the famous Christmas tree and gilded statue of Prometheus. Don’t stop there - wait in line to experience this glorious event for yourself.

Holiday Train Show at Grand Central

(1.1 miles from Penn Station)

Image Courtesy of Patrick Cashin: Holiday Train
Show at Grand Central

Attend the 14th annual holiday train show presented by the New York Transit Museum through January 21, 2016. This popular exhibition features models of Metro-North, New York Central and subway trains departing from a miniature Grand Central Terminal. The Museum’s store and booths at holiday fairs also provide great gifts for your holiday shopping needs!

Winter Village at Bryant Park

(0.6 miles from Penn Station)

Image Courtesy of Bryant Park Corporation

Enjoy free skating at The Rink, better known as the centerpiece of Bank of America's Winter Village at Bryant Park. This venue attracts thousands to one of New York City's spotlight events. Hosting more than 125 boutique-like shops which offer exquisite gifts - unique apparel, jewelry, decorative goods, local foods, and much more. The European inspired outdoor market features vendors from around the world, and housed in "jewel box" kiosks. After working up an appetite, grab a bite to eat at Celsius, Ice Bites, or Bryant Park Grill.

All Aboard These Holiday-Themed Train Rides to Winter!

As we anticipate the rush of the chilly winter weather, we naturally tend to embrace the comforts of holiday traditions - hot chocolate, warm cookies and cozy pajamas. Holiday classics like the iconic Polar Express make any holiday lover wish they could relive the magic of the story in real life! Railroads throughout New York State have dedicated the last month of each year to helping you capture your favorite memories of the season with holiday-themed train rides. These holiday excursions are the perfect way to celebrate the magic of the season with friends and family.

Image Courtesy of the Catskill Mountain Railroad

Catskill Mountain Railroad
(13.0 miles from the Rhinecliff Amtrak station)
Kingston welcomes back the fan favorite Polar Express Train Ride. Enjoy the motion picture soundtrack as you relax comfortably in your pajamas and are whisked away to the North Pole. Be sure to have your ticket in hand because the conductor will be coming around to check it as you are kept full and entertained by your dancing chefs. Enjoy a special sing along as Santa makes his way to greet you with a special gift…only if you “believe.”

Image Courtesy of Saratoga and
North Creek Railway

Saratoga and North Creek Railway
(0.0 miles from Saratoga Springs station)

Enjoy a magical train ride departing from the Saratoga Springs station bound for the "North Pole!" As a live narration of "The Polar Express" is being read, dancing chefs will deliver cookies and hot cocoa which you may enjoy from a limited edition souvenir mug. This festively decorated vintage train car will keep you fully entertained before arriving to meet Santa just outside of the North Pole Village. During the return trip, Santa will make his way to greet each child and present them with a special gift.




Adirondack Scenic Railroad
(66ft from the Utica Amtrak station)

Traveling northbound from the Utica Union Station, you will be accompanied by Santa’s elves while en route to the North Pole. While listening to Liam Neeson’s reading of The Polar Express by Chris van Allsburg, you will be left in a magical trance just before arriving to meet Santa. Both children and parents are encouraged to wear their pajamas.

Image Courtesy of Cooperstown and
Charlotte Valley Railroad

Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad
(46.5 miles from the Utica Amtrak station)
For three special weekends only you can experience the ever so popular Santa Express Trains. The trains are beautifully decorated from the inside out with lights, garland, and ornaments making for a truly magical experience. Parents are requested to provide a small personalized gift for Santa to present to their child. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be entertaining all of the passengers as you bond over holiday music, goodies, and refreshments.  

Medina Railroad Museum
(35.2 miles from the Buffalo Depew Amtrak station)

This one hour long train ride is filled with hot cocoa with whipped cream, warm cookies, and laughs with Santa. Plan to arrive early to pick up your tickets at Will Call…or you’ll be late to pick up Santa at the North Pole! All ticket purchases include admission to the Medina Railroad Museum.

Image Courtesy of Arcade and Attica Railroad

Arcade and Attica Railroad
(35.7 miles from the Buffalo Depew Amtrak station)

Presenting their last Santa Train on December 22^nd, this is one experience you don’t want to miss. Receive a free Elf hat as you board the train and spend the next magical hour and a half with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Santa’s helpers. Enjoy holiday treats and bring your camera to snap the perfect holiday picture with Santa and his live reindeer. Be sure to grab your Santa goody bag as you exit the train.